Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad (Easy Picnic Salad)

Name: Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad (Easy Picnic Salad)
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 cucumbers (medium); 6 tomatoes (small); 1 bunch chives; ½ tsp. salt (or to taste); ⅙ tsp. ground pepper (or to taste); ¾ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)

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This creamy cucumber tomato salad is ideal as a light lunch or a side dish at your next barbecue. It's creamy, fresh, and super easy to make!

The combination of fresh cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and a creamy dressing is a classic for a reason - it tastes amazing!

This salad features classic summer flavors! Its fresh, vibrant ingredients make it a perfect side for a Memorial Day or 4th of July barbecue, or a light lunch on a hot August day. And the best part? It comes together in just 10 minutes, leaving you plenty of time to soak up the sun.

If you enjoy this salad, you should also try my radish salad for a peppery twist, my spring mix salad for a burst of seasonal color, and my classic Caesar salad for a timeless, sophisticated side dish.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Key Ingredients
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad
Tips for Making the Best Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad
Serving Suggestions
Recipe Variation Ideas
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Store Leftovers
Similar Recipes You'll Love
Recipe Card
Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad (Easy Picnic Salad)
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe is a cinch to prepare. Just wash, cut, toss, and serve. It's that simple!
Classic Flavors: The combination of fresh cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and a creamy dressing is a classic for a reason - it tastes amazing!
Light and Refreshing: This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a refreshing side dish. The crunchy vegetables and creamy dressing are a match made in heaven.
Family Favorite: This salad is a hit with both kids and adults alike. It's a great way to get the whole family to enjoy their veggies.

This salad is a hit with both kids and adults alike. It's a great way to get the whole family to enjoy their veggies.

Key Ingredients

All you need are some simple pantry staple ingredients to make this creamy cucumber and tomato salad recipe at home. Let's look at them in more detail:

For a full list of ingredients and quantities, please check the recipe card at the end of this post.

Cucumbers: I recommend using homegrown or medium English cucumbers for this recipe. They add a refreshing crunch and a pop of green color. Make sure to wash them well before cutting them into bite-size pieces.
Tomatoes: I suggest using small tomatoes, like cherry or grape tomatoes, for their sweet flavor. Cut them into bite-size pieces to complement the cucumbers and add a pop of red color.
Chives: These will add a subtle onion flavor and a pop of color to the salad. Chop them up and toss them in with the other vegetables.
Sour Cream: This is the base of our creamy dressing. It adds a tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the vegetables. You can also use Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative.
Salt and Pepper: These simple seasonings will help to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients in the salad. Add them to your preference, tasting as you go.

All you need are some simple pantry staple ingredients to make this creamy cucumber and tomato salad recipe at home.

How to Make Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad

Making this incredible creamy cucumber tomato salad is easier than you think. Here's how to make them at home step by step:

Prepare the Vegetables: Start by washing and cutting all the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.

Mix the Creamy Dressing: Mix well and serve right away. This creamy cucumber tomato salad is ready in no time and guarantees a burst of flavor in every bite. Enjoy!

This creamy cucumber tomato salad is ready in no time and guarantees a burst of flavor in every bite.

For a full list of ingredients and instructions, see the recipe card below.

Tips for Making the Best Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad

Choose the Right Cucumbers: For this creamy cucumber tomato salad recipe, I recommend using English cucumbers. They have a thin, edible skin and are less watery than other varieties, which helps to keep the salad crisp.
Remove the Seeds From the Tomatoes: Before you add the tomatoes to the salad, take a moment to cut them in half and remove the seeds. This will prevent the salad from becoming too watery.
Season Well: Don't be afraid to season your salad well with salt and pepper. Seasonings can really bring out the flavor of the vegetables and the creamy dressing.

Serving Suggestions

Looking for a refreshing side for your next barbecue? This creamy cucumber tomato salad is the perfect accompaniment to grilled chicken thighs or burgers. Its crisp, fresh flavors compliment the smoky grilled meats perfectly.
For a light lunch, pair this creamy cucumber tomato salad with a turkey sandwich. The creamy dressing and crisp vegetables make it a refreshing and satisfying addition to your midday meal.
Planning a picnic? This creamy cucumber tomato salad is a must. Its no-mayo, creamy dressing makes it safe to leave out for a while, and the refreshing flavor is a hit with both kids and adults.
This creamy cucumber tomato salad also makes a great side dish for a dinner party. The colorful, fresh ingredients and creamy dressing make it a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with a variety of main courses.

Recipe Variation Ideas

Red Onions: If you're a fan of a bit of bite in your salad, try adding some thinly sliced red onions. The sharp flavor of the onions pairs beautifully with the coolness of the cucumbers and the creaminess of the dressing.
Fresh Herbs: For a burst of fresh flavor, add some fresh dill, basil, or parsley to the salad. The herby flavor will add a new dimension to the salad and will complement the other ingredients perfectly.
Cherry Tomatoes: If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can substitute the small tomatoes with cherry tomatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best types of cucumbers and tomatoes to use in this salad?

For this salad, the best type of cucumber to use is the English cucumber. It has a mild flavor and thin skin, which doesn't need to be peeled. As for the tomatoes, any small, sweet variety will work well.

Can I make this cucumber tomato salad vegan or dairy-free?

Yes, you can easily make this salad vegan or dairy-free by substituting the sour cream with a non-dairy alternative, such as coconut milk yogurt. The creamy dressing will still give the salad a rich and satisfying flavor.

Can I add any additional vegetables or ingredients to this salad?

Absolutely! This salad is a great base that you can build on. You can add some red onions for a bit of bite, or fresh dill for a burst of herby flavor. Feel free to customize the salad to your own tastes.

How can I make sure that the salad doesn't get too watery or soggy?

To prevent the salad from getting too watery, you can salt the cucumbers and let them sit in a colander for about 10 minutes. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel before adding them to the salad. This will draw out the excess moisture from the cucumbers.

Can this dish be prepared in advance or does it need to be served immediately?

This creamy cucumber tomato salad can be prepared in advance. In fact, allowing it to chill in the fridge for an hour or two before serving can enhance the flavors as the vegetables marinate in the creamy dressing.

How to Store Leftovers

Storing: Creamy cucumber tomato salad can be stored in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as the vegetables will become mushy and the creamy dressing may separate upon thaw.

This recipe is a cinch to prepare. Just wash, cut, toss, and serve. It's that simple!

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Recipe Card